How to treat dehydration, diarrhea, and vomiting related to food poisoning, the stomach flu and other viruses! What's the best drink for dehydration?

It's the season for the stomach flu and this year its already hit 30% of the people around me... which means it's likely spreading fast 😷

Stomach flu is often mistaken for food poisoning because the symptoms are similar and may include the following:
-diarrhea
-loss of appetite
-fatigue
-nausea
-vomiting
-fevers
-chills
-abdominal pain/cramping
-increased gas production

Its hard to know the difference between food poisoning versus , treatment is the same with the 2 main goals:
-Bowel rest (listen to your stomach and re-introduce simple foods slowly)
-Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!
-Wash your hands throughout the day


One of the significant issues with the stomach flu is dehydration because when you have significant diarrhea you lose a ton of water & electrolytes (like Sodium & Potassium) through the stool. That's why it's important to keep hydrated with fluid that contains electrolytes.

There's only a few readily available options for fluid with electrolytes -- sports drinks (like Gatorade or Powerade for example) OR a drink made for babies/kids called Pedialyte.

Is there a difference? 

Yes! 

For me Pedialyte is the better option!

Why do I like Pedialyte better? (this information is per 8 ounces or 1 cup)

-Pedialyte has less sugar (14 grams in Pedialyte versus 6 grams in Gatorade)

-Pedialyte has a lot more electrolytes per ounce:
Sodium 240 mg in Pedialyte v/s 110 mg in Gatorade
Potassium 180 mg in Pedialyte v/s 30 mg in Gatorade
Chloride 290 mg in Pedialyte v/s 90 mg in Gatorade

-Pedialtye has 1/2 the calories than Gatorade

My only issue with both drinks is they have many artificial ingredients. We need to find a more natural options to liquid electrolyte repletion but until then, these 2 drinks are important to fight dehydration related to diarrhea and vomiting.

Hope this helps you battle your stomach flu!

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